The 2023 World Cup opening ceremony provided a stunning start to the tournament with a mix of Maori and Australian Aboriginal culture front and center at Auckland’s Eden Park.
An estimated 40,000 people were in attendance as the tournament began
After a morning of tragedy, the Women’s World Cup proceeded with an opening ceremony around the theme of unity.
Earlier Thursday, a shooting in downtown Oakland that killed three people gave pause for thought about the appropriateness of the festival.
With FIFA and the New Zealand government deciding to move on, there was an uneasiness in a city flicking the switch from horror to joy so quickly.
Perhaps the alternative – denying performers and footballers their moment in the world’s eyes – was less desirable than cancellation.
An estimated 40,000 fans were treated to a surprise performance featuring an Aboriginal Australian rainbow snake (left) and a Maori wai or stingray (right).
Maori and Aussie First Nations dancers and singers come together in exquisite style, one at a time haka backed by music from a didgeridoo.
And so on show, a short but rich display of Maori and First Nations heritage and imagery, showcasing both New Zealand and Australian traditions and landscapes.
A giant whee, or stingray, and rainbow snake covered the pitch, where Australian First Nations reacted after a Maori call.
The haka – and what, in the All Blacks’ home of pain, a koha – or offering – and the hongi – the precious Maori greeting – represent the unity of the two tribes.
Then came a ‘unity dance’ with performers dressed in the colors of the 32 competing countries, more closely resembling a primary school lunch break with children scattered across the oval.
The 10-minute show then wrapped up with Auckland pop stars Benny and Brisbane’s Malrat, who performed the official song: Do It Again.
The ceremony was followed by a minute’s silence for the victims of the Auckland shooting on Thursday morning local time.
The opening display of the tournament was built around the theme of unity
Strip-clad performers from the 32 nations competing in the World Cup were heavily in attendance at the ceremony, which saw the pitch covered in a protective covering.
Kiwi star Benny (centre, in purple and black top) performs the Cup’s official song, Do It Again, with Australian musician Mallarat
It was ecstatic but not overly intemperate, and was duly followed by a minute’s silence, which will also be observed at the Australia-Ireland match in Sydney on Thursday night.
Auckland’s fan festival site, The Cloud, was so close to the shooting that officials decided to delay its opening until Friday.
As well as the trans-Tasman event, the night had a distinct Kiwi flavour.
An estimated 40,000 attendees were given a poi, a prop used in Maori performances, which would be used on extensive display in the stands.
The poi had a QR code that led to an explanation of Maori heritage and the Poi Tukua movement, which aims to ‘cement the poi as an international symbol of female athlete empowerment’.